For 16 years the Colombian accordion virtuoso Manuel Vega and his group have been trying to win at the world’s most important Vallenato music festival, Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, held in Valledupar, Colombia. For 16 years, success has eluded them. One day a letter arrives: an invitation to play alongside the legendary Hohner Accordion Orchestra in Trossingen, Germany, the birthplace of the ‘Corona’ – Colombia’s most popular accordion. Vega and his group embark on an epic journey that takes them to the origins of the accordion, a journey that will change their lives forever. After their return to Colombia, the group will participate one last time at the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata.

Following the film, join us for our Mid-Festival Fiesta! with an exclusive live performance of Colombian vallenato music with Marcello Maio and The Villanueva Band at SLAFF’s Festival Hub, Ryan’s Paragon Hotel.

Marcello Maio is one of the Sydney’s most highly acclaimed Latin, Jazz and World music ensembles, being recognised as one of the Top 20 Music Performers in NSW during HSC in 2004. He has performed in international stages, such as Bangkok, Canada, New York, Shanghai, as well as Australian music festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Bellingen Global Carnival, Byron Bay Blues and Roots festival, Australian World Music Expo, amongst others.

The Villanueva Band is a versatile musical group formed by Nelson Castro, Francisco Sierra and Sergio Castro. They have a unique style for performing vallenatos and cumbias from the Colombian coast.

Director & Cast

Andrew Tucker has lived in Australia, Jamaica, Germany, Greece and Santa Marta, Colombia, where he currently resides. He has worked as a short documentary Director since 2001. El viaje del acordeón is his first feature documentary. Rey Sagbini studied Audiovisual Communication in Germany. He is currently a professor at Universidad del Magdalena in Santa Marta. El viaje del acordeón is his first feature film.

Awards

Winner – 2013 Cartagena International FIlm Festival: Audience Award

Gallery

Reviews

Legend has it that the accordion, the main instrument of the Colombian folk music, was introduced to the country when a ship laden with Hohner accordions made in South Germany and Buenos Aires bound arrived to Colombia by accident. Andrew Tucker and Rey Sagbini pay tribute to the accordion, having had the opportunity to tour the factory in Trossingen, Germany where the Hohner is made, and hear the city’s orchestra of 30-plus accordion players. All that remained was to establish a connection with Colombia, to confirm the saying: One instrument, two sounds. Cartagena accordion player Manuel Vega and his repeated attempts to win the Leyenda Vallenato festival provided the dramatic element. Vega and his musicians may not have won the festival, but they did get to travel to Trossingen and play in the birthplace of the Hohner. Hence the film’s subtitle: “There’s more to winning than a trophy”. There’s no place for failure when there’s a calling, music and joy. – Cartagena International FIlm Festival